March

My children know and my grandchildren at least have a faint inkling that the step between my buying them a book as a gift and wrapping it is reading it. Not that I read every book I give them as a gift. Sometimes I run out of time before the Christmas presents have to be shipped. And I would never give a Christmas present late because I still had six chapters to read. I don’t feel I need to treat birthdays as strictly. And I am always careful not to spill tea as I am reading these presents.

The Iowa Wild Rose Award, established in 2009, will honor an author/illustrator of books for children/young adults. The first award will be given in 2010.
Nominations are now being sought for the 2010 Iowa Wild Rose Award. This literary award will be announced on January 15, 2010 and will honor an author/illustrator of books for children/young adults. Libraries, publishers, and readers of all types are eligible to nominate an author/illustrator.

The State Historical Library’s Book Discovery Discussions kicks off its 2008-2009 schedule Oct. 15, 2008, with "In for the Long Haul: The Life of John Ruan" by William Friedricks. The author will talk about the book and his process researching and documenting this prominent Iowa businessman and philanthropist. “Book Discovery Discussions” explores literature that defines, reflects or captures the history of Iowa. Meetings are free and open to the public at the State Historical Building, 3rd Floor, 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch or take-out is available at several area restaurants, including Baratta’s on 3W of the Historical Building.